Watertown, N.Y. – At Samaritan, there are volunteers who serve at the hospital, long term care facilities, special events, off-site offices and on various boards of our respective entities. Initiated in 2023, the HIVE (Helpful Indeed – Volunteering Excellence) Award is a way to honor those volunteers who have contributed an extraordinary level of dedication and shown exceptional service to Samaritan while consistently demonstrating the organization’s HEART values, which are Honest, Empathetic, Accountable, Respect, and Trustworthy.
Why HIVE? The beehive is symbolic of teamwork, unity, growth, and development. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a volunteer. We need each other to care for our community.
The HIVE Award complements the existing DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®, the BEE Award (Being Excellent Every Day) honoring other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, and the OWL (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) for the team of caregivers at the Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village. Altogether, we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.
The recipients for the second quarter of 2024, and proudly representing people supported by The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence’s Community Pre-Vocational Program, are Emily Sweet, Molly Costa, Teresa Salter, Diana Gervera, Shawn Norton, Sheri Baker, and Kasey Gardner. This team of volunteer caregivers have worked hard to support our dietary services team.
Kristan Donoghue, the manager of Volunteer Services, said, “This team of volunteers has worked hard each shift to support the needs of our cafeteria and elsewhere. They enter the facility with smiling faces and truly demonstrate HEART values in all they do. Congratulations, team!”
Those interested in recognizing a Samaritan volunteer may submit an online nomination at samaritanhealth.com/hive there are also paper nomination forms available at the Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village gift shops.
Medical imaging is a crucial aspect of healthcare. CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays and other technologies allow healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions accurately, plan surgeries effectively, and monitor the progress of treatments. Samaritan Health understands the power of medical imaging and has made significant investments to bring high-quality imaging talent and technology to the North Country.
Prioritizing easy access to exceptional imaging services, Samaritan offers walk-in X-rays at Samaritan Medical Center, Samaritan Health & Wellness Plaza, and Samaritan’s Coffeen Street Imaging & Lab Center in Watertown. X-rays are also accessible at Samaritan’s Adams and Clayton Family Health Centers, extending a valuable service to both ends of Jefferson County.
Patients can now self-schedule a screening mammogram at Samaritan in just a few minutes using a secure online scheduling tool. This resource displays available appointment dates and times up to three months in advance, empowering patients to make proactive healthcare choices without needing to call the scheduling office.
And, once images have been captured, Samaritan makes them easily accessible to patients and providers with Nuance PowerShare — a free and secure online service with convenient access to medical imaging, radiology scans and reports. PowerShare puts patients in charge of their images and scans, allowing them to quickly and conveniently grant access to the providers who also utilize the system.
With all of these points of access, it’s no surprise that the Samaritan Health System captures upwards of 130,000 medical images in a typical year. To be exact, 142,723 images were taken in 2023, which translates to about 390 images per day, or 16 every hour!
“Providing access to advanced medical imaging and radiology services is not only critical for our physicians to make accurate diagnoses,” said Samaritan President and CEO Thomas Carman, “but it’s also about empowering our patients with clarity, peace of mind, and the information they need to make the best possible healthcare decisions.”
Image-Guided Treatment
In addition to traditional radiology procedures, such as X-rays and MRIs, Samaritan Medical Center offers the North Country community a highly specialized imaging service — interventional radiology. This service utilizes minimally-invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system.
Some common Interventional radiology procedures include:
Embolization — using ultrasound and live X-ray for guidance, specialists block blood vessels to stop bleeding or reduce blood flow to certain areas of the body. This can be used to treat aneurysms, treat certain tumors, shrink the prostate gland in men with BPH, reduce knee pain and minimize uterine fibroids in women or varicoceles in men.
Angioplasty — uses a balloon catheter to widen narrowed or blocked arteries or veins, improving blood flow. This procedure relies on live X-ray to guide the catheter to the blockage. It is commonly used to treat atherosclerosis, a buildup of fats and cholesterol on the artery walls.
Kyphoplasty — also uses image guidance and a balloon catheter, but to treat compression fractures in the vertebrae, usually caused by osteoporosis or spinal tumors.
Ablation – uses image guidance and thermal energy to treat certain tumors located in the liver, kidneys, lungs and elsewhere.
As complex as these procedures are, they only require small incisions to be performed and are usually complete within a few hours. In most cases, patients experience fast symptom relief and are able to continue normal activities within days or even hours.
Samaritan Medical Center has one of few interventional radiology clinics in the North Country, staffed by a team of specialists. In July, Samaritan welcomed Russell A. Reeves, MD, MBA, MS, a fellowship-trained interventional radiologist, to lead the practice.
Dr. Reeves received his medical degree from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, and completed residencies in diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, PA. He was an interventional radiology fellow at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and is certified by the American Board of Radiology.
He specializes in lymphatic interventions, using imaging guidance to both diagnose and treat lymphatic leaks in the abdomen and chest, as well as treatment of superficial and deep venous diseases, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Dr. Reeves is also trained in hepatic interventions, treating patients with advanced liver disease who suffer from recurrent ascites, difficulty thinking due to hepatic encephalopathy, or bleeding from the stomach due to abdominal varices.
“I’m excited to join the Samaritan team and look forward to serving the Northern New York and Fort Drum communities,” says Dr. Reeves. “With a fantastic interventional radiology staff and advanced imaging technology, we are able to provide life-changing treatment right here in Watertown.”
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, BEE, and OWL Award recipients for June 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members for being excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics, and the OWL Award recognizes outstanding workers in long term care.
Cindy Keenan, Registered Nurse (RN), of the Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children’s NICU received the DAISY Award. Bobbi Bailey, LCSW-R, of Samaritan Outpatient Behavioral Health, received the BEE Award. Samaritan Summit Village Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Jennifer Bellis, and Samaritan Keep Home sixth and eighth floors unit clerk Dorry McIntosh won the OWL Award for their respective facilities.
High-risk OB patient and Samaritan nurse educator Kristen Hunter nominated Keenan for the DAISY Award citing her patient experience and saying:
“…During our stay Cindy cared for us as a family unit for five out of ten days. She helped get us through a very difficult time, while caring for our little miracle. Even though I work on the maternal child unit, it does not make it any easier seeing your baby hooked up to an IV, on CPAP and a cardiac monitor and not being able to hold her for the first-time following delivery. Cindy ensured to talk my husband and myself through her plan of care that first night and every shift following.”
For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Keenan was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Bailey was nominated for the BEE Award by a patient with the following statement for nomination:
“The first time I met Bobbi she made me feel welcomed. She is kind, and very, very, professional. She listens and never judges me. I have had some major setbacks in life and Bobbi has helped me to see the brighter side for sure.”
Bailey was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.
Bellis was nominated for the OWL Award by Summit Village skilled nursing administrator Madaline Toliver who recalled a specific incident in which Bellis recognized an issue with a resident on the Assisted Living side of the facility and took immediate action to assist the resident.
McIntosh was nominated for the OWL Award by multiple co-workers and the director of nursing at Samaritan Keep Home saying:
“Dorry McIntosh is a true caregiver and upholds Samaritan’s HEART values in so many ways. Just to reference a few of the HEART values: Honesty. Even when honesty is not the easiest to hear. Empathy. I have personally witnessed Dorry make relationships with the residents and their families. I have seen her hold the hand of a resident whose time is coming to an end, hug and cry with families after loss or at discharge from the facility back home. I have witnessed her collaborate birthday parties, baby showers and so much more for her co-workers. Trustworthy. It is a true character trait that does not go unnoticed.”
Bellis and McIntosh were presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.
Pictured here, from left to right, are June 2024 caregiver awardees Cindy Keenan, RN, Bobbi Bailey, LCSW-R, Jennifer Bellis, CNA, and Dorry McIntosh, unit clerk.
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About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Silver Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Silver Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
“Samaritan Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Leslie DiStefano, director of communications and public relations. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the North Country can experience longer, healthier lives.”
Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Samaritan Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Samaritan Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
Samaritan Medical Center also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.
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About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About Get With The Guidelines®
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.
Watertown, NY –Samaritan Graduate Medical Education proudly announces the graduation of its Internal Medicine residents and Family Medicine residents. A graduation ceremony was held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Watertown. The graduates were celebrated by family, friends, esteemed physician faculty, and respected Samaritan leaders.
Graduates of the Family Medicine residency program, directed by Dr. Benjamin Rudd, are Dr. Rosie Yang, Chief Resident, and Dr. James Hull. Graduates of the Internal Medicine residency program, directed by Dr. Asim Kichloo, are Dr. Jennifer Wachala, Chief Resident, and Dr. Patricia Frith.
The four graduates have accepted positions in medical institutions across the country where they will continue to practice and advance their training and expertise.
Patricia Frith, DO – Hospice and Palliative Care Fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont.
James Hull, DO – returning to his home state to practice as a Family Medicine physician in Chocowinity, North Carolina
Jennifer Wachala, DO – Infectious Disease Fellowship with a concentration in Transplant Infectious Diseases and Immunocompromised Hosts at NYU Langone Hospital, Long Island, New York.
Rosie Yang, DO – going to Washington, D.C. to practice as a Family Medicine physician.
“The faculty and all who support the graduate medical education programs appreciate the opportunity to pass along some of what we have learned through our practice experience,” said Dr. David Rechlin, director of Graduate Medical Education. “These young aspiring physicians bring invaluable energy to our work both in the hospital and outpatient practices where they learn. We congratulate them on attaining this milestone in their careers.”
Picture here are Dr. James Hull, Dr. Patricia Frith, Dr. Jennifer Wachala, and Dr. Rosie Yang
Samaritan is the only academic teaching facility in Northern New York that attracts medical students and physicians pursuing advanced residency training from across the country. Our medical students and residentphysicians benefit from a comprehensive educational experience, including daily lectures one-on-one clinical exposure in varies specialties, and engagement in clinical research.
Watertown, N.Y. – At Samaritan, there are volunteers who serve at the hospital, long term care facilities, special events, off-site offices and on various boards of our respective entities. Initiated in 2023, the HIVE (Helpful Indeed – Volunteering Excellence) Award is a way to honor those volunteers who have contributed an extraordinary level of dedication and shown exceptional service to Samaritan while consistently demonstrating the HEART values, which are Honest, Empathetic, Accountable, Respect, and Trustworthy.
Why HIVE? The beehive is symbolic of teamwork, unity, growth, and development. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a volunteer. We need each other to care for our community.
The HIVE Award complements the existing DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®, the BEE Award (Being Excellent Every Day) honoring other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, and the OWL (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) for the team of caregivers at the Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village. Altogether, we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.
The recipient for the first quarter of 2024 is David Cheney. David has been volunteering since 2022 and has assisted with various tasks, including distributing flyers, transporting patients within the Medical Center, helping at the Festival of Trees, and more.
Kristan Donoghue, the manager of Volunteer Services, mentioned, “David is always willing to help. He is respectful to staff, patients, and their family members. He never makes people feel rushed and is continually seeking new projects to tackle in various areas.”
David’s manager highlighted several instances of his willingness to assist where needed. For example, when his regular task of patient transportation was slow one evening, he recognized that the Emergency Department required help and stepped in to assist.
Pictured here, David Cheney was surprised with the HIVE Award on June 24 by Volunteer Services Manager Kristan Donoghue.
Those interested in recognizing a Samaritan volunteer may submit an online nomination at samaritanhealth.com/hive there are also paper nomination forms available at the Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village gift shops.
Summer is the season of fun. Warmer, longer days bring us together for pool parties, campfires, barbecues and road trips. Children get a break from school, families take vacations, and more time is spent outdoors in the sun. Unfortunately, however, summer is also the season of injury.
In June, July and August, more preventable injuries and deaths occur in the United States than at other times during the year. Workplace injuries are also highest during these summer months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As we enjoy the beginning of summer, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common forms of summertime injuries and how you can take steps to prevent them.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the third most common cause of preventable injury-related death in the U.S., responsible for 20% of all preventable deaths in 2022. Car accidents happen all year, but they see an uptick in the summer months as more drivers take road trip vacations, road construction increases, and more people drive under the influence of alcohol.
Some motor vehicle accidents are unavoidable, but many can be prevented with responsible driving habits. Wherever you are driving this summer — and all year — use these safe driving practices:
Don’t drive distracted. Pull over to a safe location if you need to use your cell phone.
Don’t drink and drive. If you plan to drink alcohol, use a designated driver or ride service.
Don’t speed. Risking injury or death is not worth it, even if you are in a rush.
Follow the rules of the road.
Always wear a seatbelt, no matter where you are sitting in a vehicle.
Fire and Fireworks Injuries
Campfires, barbecues and fireworks are summertime staples, but they are also hazards. Burns are common summer injuries, especially around Independence Day and Labor Day when many celebrate with fireworks.
“Year after year, we see visits to our emergency department spike around the summer holidays,” says Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray, Samaritan Emergency Medicine Physician. “Many patients we treat around this time have preventable injuries like burns, fractures or other trauma caused by a mishap at a party or outdoor gathering.”
Unfortunately, Dr. Lundborg-Gray says, children are especially prone to this type of injury since they may not understand the risks associated with fires and fireworks. Adults should never leave children unattended near an open flame and should be cautious about store-bought fireworks like sparklers, which can quickly ignite clothing or shoes. Following these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration will further prevent burns this summer:
Don’t use fireworks at home. Instead, watch fireworks at a public show put on by experts.
Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn.
Only use barbecue grills outdoors. Indoor use can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Bicycle, Skateboard and Related Accidents
Warmer weather and summer vacation mean more opportunities for families to ride together on bikes, scooters and skateboards. As much fun as these activities are, they commonly cause injuries such as scrapes, fractures and concussions. Accidents involving motor vehicles can cause more serious, life-threatening injuries.
Wearing a helmet is essential when riding a bike, skateboard or similar sports equipment. The American College of Surgeons reports that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 48%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, facial injury by 23%, and fatal injury by 34%. Riders of all ages, including adults, should wear a properly-fitted helmet at all times. Knee and elbow pads are also recommended to protect joints during a fall or collision.
Swimming Injuries and Drowning
As summer progresses and temperatures rise, many people take to the water for swimming, boating and watersports. Swimming is great exercise and a fun way to beat the heat, but it comes with its risks. Just like with fire-related injuries, accidents on the water frequently involve children. The CDC reports drowning as a leading cause of death for children ages 14 and younger. Injuries from jumping into pools, boating accidents and slips and falls are also common over the summer months.
Parents can prevent swimming injuries by remaining vigilant while children are around the water. Never leave your child alone near water; if you have to leave, take your child with you. Enrolling your child in swim lessons is a good idea, but does not make it safe for them to swim alone. Parents can also get training in CPR and First Aid to further protect their children and others. The CDC’s Top Ten Tips for Water Safety are recommended for all who plan to swim this summer:
DO learn to swim.
DO take a friend along. Using the buddy system is safer and more fun!
DO know your limits while swimming.
DO swim in supervised (watched) areas only, and follow all signs and warnings.
DO wear a life jacket when boating, jet skiing, water skiing, rafting, or fishing.
DO stay alert to currents. If you get caught in a strong current, don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you have passed through it.
DO keep an eye on the weather.
DON’T mess around in the water.
DON’T dive into shallow water. If you don’t know how deep the water is, don’t dive.
DON’T float where you can’t swim.
When Accidents Happen, Samaritan is Here
Summer is an exciting time, and while it can be easy to get swept up in the fun and celebrations, it is important to take precautions to prevent injuries. If accidents happen, Samaritan is here with 24/7 emergency care.
“Samaritan’s Emergency Department takes care of over 30,000 patients a year,” says Dr. Lundborg-Gray. “We have specialty trained emergency medicine doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses ready at all hours.”
Learn more about Samaritan Medical Center’s Emergency Department, including tips on knowing when to call 911, at samaritanhealth.com/emergency-care/.
Watertown, NY – On May 29, a select group of Samaritan nurses were recognized for their contributions to the organization, patients, and residents throughout their time of employment. The exclusive celebratory event, held at Samaritan Summit Village, was a testament to their exceptional service. Qualified medical providers were invited to nominate a Samaritan Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by submitting an essay, highlighting the relationships between nurses and providers.
Samaritan’s Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer John Green said, “I feel honored to be part of the first Nursing Awards event to be held since 2019, pre-pandemic. These incredible caregivers shine brightly day after day, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to our community.”
Samaritan Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Carman welcomed the esteemed attendees, and Dr. Marylene Duah, infectious disease specialist, served as the master of ceremonies.
The following individuals were honored in their respective categories:
Education: Recipient: Jordain Forney Sullivan, RN, Emergency Department Nominated by: Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD
Excellence in Nursing Practice (Medical Center): Recipient: John Gahler, RN, Intensive Care / Progressive Care Units Nominated by: Aaliya Burza, MD
Excellence in Nursing Practice (Long Term Care): Recipient: Emily Bachmann, LPN, Samaritan Keep Home Nominated by: Collins Kellogg, MD
Excellence in Nursing Practice (Clinics): Recipient: Heather LaRose, LPN, Samaritan Family Health Center, Adams Nominated by: Joe Wetterhahn, MD
Innovation: Recipient: Kristy Graveline, LPN, Samaritan Home Health Nominated by: Mario Victoria, MD
Quality and Safety: Recipient: Stephanie Peters, RN, Quality Improvement Nominated by: Rory Sears, DO
Rookie of the Year: Recipient: Kasandra Keene, RN, Emergency Department Nominated by: Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD
Pictured here, in front, from left are Pamela Carter, LPN, Stephanie Peters, RN, John Gahler, RN, Kristy Graveline, LPN, Heather LaRose, LPN, and Jordain Forney Sullivan, RN. In back, from left are Nathanial Miletta, MD, Rory Sears, DO, Aaliya Burza, MD, Mario Victoria, MD, Joe Wetterhahn, MD, and Stephanie Droppelmann, MSN, BSN. Absent from the photo are Kasandra Keene, RN, Emily Bachmann, LPN, and nominators Collins Kellogg, MD, and Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD
June is here, and with it come the first days of summer. This long-awaited season is a welcome change in the North Country, offering a break from the dark, chilly and wet conditions that begin our year. While it can be tempting to spend all day outdoors enjoying the warm weather, your skin will thank you — for years to come — if you take precautions in the summer sun.
When enjoyed responsibly, sunshine can benefit our health in ways we might not even realize. Sunny days lure us outside, often for physical or social activities such as walking, swimming, gardening or meeting friends — all of which benefit our general well-being. While we are out, exposure to sunlight prompts our skin to produce vitamin D, which is vital for bone health and immune function. Sunlight also stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, a chemical that naturally balances mood, sleep, digestion and other bodily functions.
Too much exposure to sunlight, however, comes with risks, especially when sun protection is not used. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Surprisingly, this damage can occur faster than you might expect.
“For many people, 30 minutes of direct sun exposure will cause a sunburn,” says Samaritan Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Dr. Nathanial R. Miletta. “And, those with very light skin may experience a sunburn in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Not only is a sunburn uncomfortable, but it’s a sign that your skin cells and their DNA have been damaged. Repeated sunburns cause your skin to age prematurely and can eventually lead to skin cancer.”
Skin Cancer: Common but Curable
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its prevalence continues to rise. In fact, current estimates show that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. While family history, race and age play some role in skin cancer risk, sun exposure is the dominant risk factor, causing more than 90 percent of skin cancers.
Fortunately, skin cancer can be cured when it is discovered in its early stages. State-of-the-art skin cancer treatment is available in the North Country at Samaritan Dermatology.
“Samaritan Dermatology is proud to offer our patients Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer, which has the highest tumor clearance rate and the smallest incisions,” Dr. Miletta said. “We are the only facility in the region to offer this method, which is 99% successful and leaves patients with the smallest possible scars.”
A Mohs surgery is typically performed while the patient is awake and uses local anesthesia to numb the tumor and surrounding skin. During the procedure, all visible parts of the tumor are removed, sent to an on-site laboratory, and sliced into thin sections for careful analysis. Using a microscope, the Mohs surgeon looks for cancer cells on the edges of the removed skin sections. If cancer cells are found near any edges, additional skin is removed and analyzed until no cancerous cells remain. Most Mohs surgery patients go home the same day as the procedure.
Being Safe in the Sun, and Still Having Fun
“Protecting your skin from overexposure is so important, not just during summer but all year long,” says Samaritan Dermatology Physician Assistant Erin Bryant. “With some simple precautions, you can still enjoy the outdoors — go to the beach, take a hike, garden and barbecue — without causing irreversible and life-threatening damage to your skin.”
Practicing sun safety does not mean hiding away indoors and avoiding your favorite outdoor activities. It involves knowing your risk, limiting your exposure and protecting your skin. Follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology to keep safe while you have fun in the sun:
Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Use sunscreen that is water resistant, has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30, and is broad spectrum — meaning it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming.
Wear protective clothingsuch as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, whenever possible. Look for clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) or made of a tightly woven fabric.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10am and 2pm. Any time your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade.
Protect your lips by using lip balm with at least SPF 15.
It’s also important to know your risk. Keeping track of the UV index, which forecasts the strength of UV rays each day, can help you plan the best times to be outside and the best times to stay out of the sun.
“When the UV index is between zero and two, you can enjoy being outside with little to no exposure risk,” Dr. Miletta said. “On days where the UV index is between three and seven, be sure to use sunscreen and seek shade during the middle of the day. And, on any day with a UV index of eight or above, it’s best to stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat are especially necessary on these high-UV index days.”
Checking Your Skin for Warning Signs
Finding skin cancer early is one of the best ways to ensure it can be treated successfully, and you can perform skin exams in your own home. As you examine moles and marks on your skin, consider the ABCDEs of melanoma:
A stands for Asymmetry: does the shape of one side match the other?
B stands for Border: does the mole have uneven or irregular borders?
C stands for Color: has the color of the mole changed, or does it appear varied?
D stands for Diameter: is the mole larger than ¼” in diameter?
E stands for Evolution: have you noticed changes in size, shape or color?
Contact your doctor or a dermatologist for further examination if you notice any of these symptoms. If you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, trust the experts at Samaritan Dermatology & Mohs Surgery to give you peace of mind about your treatment.
“We encourage anyone who has a diagnosed melanoma or other form of skin cancer to come see us and learn about Mohs micrographic surgery,” says Samaritan Dermatology Physician Assistant Amy Werchinski. “Our staff can provide care you won’t find anywhere else in the North Country.”
Samaritan Dermatology is located in the Samaritan Medical Office Building at 830 Washington Street in Watertown, NY. Satellite dermatology services are also offered at Samaritan’s LeRay and Adams Family Health Centers.
To learn more about services offered, conditions treated, and Samaritan Dermatology’s staff, visit samaritanhealth.com/dermatology or call the office at 315-755-3670.
Watertown, NY – After an extensive search, Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce that John Green, DHA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC has been selected as its next Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer. Green has more than 25 years of healthcare experience and is proficient in hospital operations, patient care programs, patient flow and progression, and setting strategic directions with the senior team. He is known for designing innovative care delivery models, enhancing and improving technologies, and fostering collaborative environments that transcend traditional healthcare boundaries.
Green will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating nursing operations within Samaritan Medical Center. He is a member of the senior team and will work closely with nursing staff, providers and other key members to ensure the delivery of high-quality care that aligns with Samaritan’s mission, vision and values.
John Green, DHA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Samaritan Chief Nursing Officer
Green comes to Samaritan from Glens Falls Hospital, part of Albany Medical Health System, since 2015 where he served as Nurse Manager, Assistant Director and most recently as Director. In this role he directed overall hospital operations and developed systems and processes that reduced costs and improved patient outcomes.
”We are pleased to welcome John to Samaritan’s leadership team” said Tom Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “With his track record of nursing practice leadership and dedication to patient-centric care, and innovative technology integration, we are confident that under his guidance our nursing division will continue to thrive and evolve. He trained at Fort Drum and his prior National Guard medic experience is beneficial in meeting the health care needs of our Fort Drum community.”
“As I step into my role at Samaritan Medical Center, I’m struck by the palpable positivity and unwavering dedication of the staff”, said Green. “The HEART values permeate deeply into the core of our culture. I am excited to work alongside our exceptional teams to further embed these values, elevate standards of care, and positively impact the lives of our community and military families.
Green holds an Associate of Science in Nursing from Vermont Technical College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science from Kaplan University, and Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree from Capella University.
Green replaces Kimberly Thibert, who served as Interim Chief Nursing Officer from November 2023 until May 2024.
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